Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with smooth tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unmatched smoothness, stability, and noise reduction for silent typing. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lively and tactile experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of the plastic. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also includes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Gateron Zero Degree 0° similarly utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound experience.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro's inclusion of a nylon bottom housing sets it apart from the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of housing materials allows for a more dynamic and varied typing experience, with differences in sound profile depending on the specific keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a consistent sound profile throughout, given its use of nylon for both top and bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's addition of a nylon bottom housing provides a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. However, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the design and performance of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Zero Degree 0° does not have a specified bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro can be considered medium-light in terms of weight, providing a balance between ease of typing and a satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, the weight of the Zero Degree 0° remains unknown, making it difficult to determine whether it would provide a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Zero Degree 0° or other switches with heavier forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The difference may not be substantial, but it could impact the feel and response of the switch when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored for their quicker response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Gateron Zero Degree for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively and audible feedback for users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch by Gateron is designed to reduce noise with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering a silent typing experience. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a more tactile and clicky feedback, whereas the Zero Degree 0° focuses on minimizing noise.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. The keys also provide a spring-like rebound when pressed, creating a lively typing experience. However, the feel of the Zero Degree 0° linear switch is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, perfect for users who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on delivering a smooth and stable typing experience while reducing noise. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches can provide a satisfying and unique typing experience. If you prefer a more tactile and clicky feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the way to go, while the Zero Degree 0° is a great choice for those looking for a silent and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience with unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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